Agricultural Strategy Press Release

By admin •
September 28th, 2010

Shetland Agriculture Strategy and Action Plan
A B Associates have been engaged by Shetland Islands Council Economic Development Unit to prepare a Strategy and Action Plan for the Shetland’s agriculture industry with a view to help it meet the challenges it is likely to face and take advantage of the opportunities to move forward over the next 5-10 years.

Over 800 questionnaires were sent out earlier in the year to all the main producers as well as a number of meeting and discussions held with individuals within the industry.

A DRAFT Strategy and Action Plan has now been prepared and is being issued for wide consultation within the industry. The full report, which is over 100 pages long includes a great deal of background data on the sector and a summary report, around 25 pages, has also been prepared.

The DRAFT contains around 100 suggested actions. Not all of them will be able to be carried out and some will be more important than others.

The author of the report, Andrew Blackadder, is keen to hear from you,

“We need your help to identify the actions that will have the greatest beneficial impact on the industry and help it become more sustainable. What are your views on a possible restructuring of the industry? How can the industry cope with reducing support in coming years?

According to Andrew, “The main task now is to identify the main priorities and the actions that will have greatest impact”

Copies of both the draft report and summary documents are available from A B Associates by phone or email. The summary document can also be downloaded from our newly launched website at www.abassociates.com.

Public Meetings are being held in different locations to provide an opportunity to discuss the proposals and receive feedback and suggestions on the way forward. Details of these meetings are as follows:

Location

Time

Date

MID YELL

Mid Yell Hall

7pm

Tuesday 28th September

BIXTER

Bixter Hall

7pm

Monday 4th October

SANDWICK

Hoswick Visitor Centre

7pm

Tuesday 5th October

BRAE

Brae Hall

7pm

Wednesday 6th October

The industry needs your input so don’t miss the opportunity to influence the future of agriculture in Shetland. What action is needed to secure a sustainable future?

Those with an interest in the future of the industry are urged to attend these meetings as well as submit comments by email, phone or letter by 8th October 2010.